Bill Sutter: One of man's greatest needs is to grow up

Growing up is not easily done. Do we not sense the lack of growing up within our self and others?

Bill Sutter

Growing up is not easily done. Do we not sense the lack of growing up within our self and others?

To grow up requires us to move from one state of being to another. For us to DO differently, we must BE differently. Doing wisely doesn’t come from being dumb. The apostle Paul stated it like this in the 13th chapter of the New Testament book of First Corinthians, verse 11: “When I was a child, I spoke as a child, but when I became a man, I put away childish things.”

Being an adult requires something more than a childish viewpoint and action.

How does one grow up wisely? Be causal and not casual, be intentional and directed, as opposed to living in “whatever” by accident.

My father advised me, “Son, have a plan and work your plan.” At the time, I did not fully perceive the wisdom of his counsel. How many times I wish I had perceived that statement. In thinking back to that moment, I had a pride in me that would not admit I did not understand what he was talking about. I wanted him to think that I knew. Another Bible verse comes to mind; “Pride comes before a fall.”

Another thought comes to mind from sharing this fatherly moment. So, I ask the "now” generation, “to whom are you listening and asking questions?” Is it not really wise to ask questions of someone who has lived a long time, and who has much wise counsel to offer?

The secret of getting wisdom is to ask for it. To ask reveals that one is teachable. How thrilling it would be to give the gift of wisdom to the young. Both parties would be made happy. I know of no elder that would withhold giving wisdom unto a younger person. I know, because I have been privileged to ask as well as to be asked.

So then, to grow up, get wise! We each need all the wisdom we can get. As an older person, I’m still learning better how to live, because life matters, and one needs to understand what truly matters in life in order to live wisely. One of my wise counselors is my wife. So, another thought is to marry smart and be a smart mate. You both are going to need wisdom.

The greatest source of wisdom is God. The Old Testament book of Proverbs has 31 chapters of awesome insights that will add knowledge, understanding and wisdom about how to be responsible, productive and happy. Check it out, because we each are constantly growing and becoming in life – hopefully, growing up wisely.

Bill Sutter is a regular columnist for The Carthage Press in Carthage, Mo.